Clomipramine

Clomipramine is a drug used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is not entirely clear how the drug works, but it is thought to help alleviate the symptoms of OCD by allowing certain chemicals to stay in the brain longer. The medication comes in tablet form and is generally taken one to three times a day. Prior to taking clomipramine, tell your healthcare provider if you have bipolar disorder, allergies, or heart problems.

 

What Is Clomipramine?

Clomipramine hydrochloride (Anafranil®) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults, teens, and children.
 
(Click What Is Clomipramine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Clomipramine is made by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. Generic clomipramine is made by several manufacturers of generic medications.
 

How Does Clomipramine Work?

Clomipramine belongs to a class of medications called
 tricyclic antidepressants. It is not entirely clear how the medication works. Clomipramine does affect several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. Perhaps the medication allows these chemicals to stay in the brain longer, which can help with symptoms of OCD.
 
Even though clomipramine is classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (due the chemical structure of the molecule), it actually acts much like a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are a newer group of antidepressant medications, and many people consider clomipramine to be an SSRI, even though it is technically a tricyclic antidepressant.
 

When and How to Take It

Some considerations for when and how to take clomipramine include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule form. It is taken by mouth, usually one to three times a day.
     
  • You can take clomipramine with or without food, although it is best to take it with food when first starting or increasing your dose.
     
  • Clomipramine should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Clomipramine will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of clomipramine your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Clomipramine Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Clomipramine

As with any medicine, side effects can occur with clomipramine. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include:
 
(Click Clomipramine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions

Clomipramine can potentially interact with a number of medications (see Drug Interactions With Clomipramine for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking clomipramine if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Clomipramine for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much clomipramine may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Severe sweating
  • Muscle tension
  • Unusual body movements
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Very low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Breathing difficulty and blue skin
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Kidney problems
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Loss of life.
     
An overdose can be dangerous. If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Anafranil Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Clomipramine Be Stored?

Clomipramine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your clomipramine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you usually take your dose at night, you may not want to make up the missed dose during the day because of the risk of drowsiness. Also, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Clomipramine capsules are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Clomipramine 25 mg
  • Clomipramine 50 mg
  • Clomipramine 75 mg.
     

Generic Clomipramine

There are currently both brand-name and generic versions of clomipramine licensed for sale (see Generic Anafranil for more information).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;